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Board of Public Works – District 1 Items on 06-11-2025 Agenda

The Maryland Board of Public Works will review several funding proposals on June 11 that benefit Districts 1A, 1B, and 1C, including grants for a new Friendsville Library, park improvements, historic preservation, and key land conservation efforts in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. These projects support community development, public recreation, historic preservation, and environmental protection across Western Maryland.

Board of Public Works – District 1 Items on 06-11-2025 Agenda

The Maryland Board of Public Works will review several funding proposals on June 11 that benefit Districts 1A, 1B, and 1C, including grants for a new Friendsville Library, park improvements, historic preservation, and key land conservation efforts in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. These projects support community development, public recreation, historic preservation, and environmental protection across Western Maryland.

Dear Senator McKay, Delegate Hinebaugh, Delegate Buckel, and Delegate Baker,

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Board of Public Works will be considering several items of direct impact to Districts 1A, 1B, and 1C. Below is a summary of those items by district:

District 1A

Library Project:

  • $1,116,000 grant from the Maryland State Library Agency (Item 15.5)
  • Funds will support construction of a new 5,500 sq. ft. Friendsville Library, replacing a temporary 1970 metal structure currently lacking adequate insulation, ADA access, electrical infrastructure, and community space.

Park and Recreation Improvements:

  • $27,000 from Program Open Space to replace fencing at Barton Basketball Park (Item 1A).
  • Greenspace Equity Program funding:
    • $16,500 for trail resurfacing and bridge repairs at Takoma Drive and Lower Georges Creek Parks (Item 10A.1).
    • $275,000 for ADA-compliant playground upgrades at Bloomington Hero’s Park (Item 10A.7).
    • $150,000 for paved paths and inclusive play elements at Yough Glades Elementary School (Item 10A.8).
    • $338,000 for themed play equipment at Swan Meadow Park (Item 10A.9).

Land Acquisition – Program Open Space:

  • $747,375 for 265.67 acres (Wilt property) adjacent to Savage River State Forest (Item 11A).
  • $233,500 for 80.1 acres (Ruby property), part of the Bear Pen Headwaters ESA (Item 12A).
  • $200,250 for 89 acres (Liller property), connecting blocks of conservation land in Savage River IBA (Item 13A).
  • $19,500 for 1.48 acres (Fox-Momen property), improving access to Garrett State Forest (Item 16A).

Conservation Easement:

  • Ratification of a donated perpetual conservation easement on 100.62 acres in Grantsville (Cilecek property) (Item 22A).

District 1B

Historic Preservation:

  • $86,000 grant to the Allegany County Historical Society (Item 13C)
  • Supports rehabilitation of the historic Gordon-Roberts House (218 Washington Street, Cumberland), a key landmark built in 1867, home to prominent legal and political figure Josiah Gordon.

District 1C

Land Conservation – Washington County:

  • $337,500 from Program Open Space (Item 20A)
  • Acquisition of 126 acres (Trail property) along Sideling Hill Creek to expand the Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area, enhancing public recreation, habitat protection, and water quality.

🗂️ For more details, please see the June 11, 2025 BPW Agenda.

Treasurer Davis has asked me to keep you informed of these important matters. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss any of the items further, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Joanna W. Kille
Board of Public Works Liaison
Maryland State Treasurer’s Office
📍 80 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
📞 O: 410-260-7588 | C: 443-239-2615
📧 jkille@treasurer.state.md.us